Complete Guide to Braces De-Bonding & Retention Phase

Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, your misaligned teeth are corrected, and your teeth are straightened, it ??s time for the day everyone looks forward to: the removal of braces, or de-bonding. You ??ll visit your orthodontist for a final check of your progress. If your orthodontist approves your case as complete, the braces appliance will be removed by their assistants using specialized instruments. They will also remove any excess residue left by the bonding glue.

In the next step, you ??ll see your beautiful new smile. Photos will be taken to document your results. But remember, your orthodontic care after braces isn ??t over yet. Retainers play a crucial role in preventing your teeth from moving back to their original positions.

You ??ll receive either a bonded retainer, which is attached to the back of your teeth and is not visible, or a removable retainer. Several types of retainers are available, including plastic aligners like Invisalign, and those that use rubber bands. Understanding all the options is important, so consider reading a comprehensive retainer guide.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential during this period. Remember, the treatment times for each individual may vary. The key is to follow your orthodontist ??s advice and maintain regular check-ups to ensure the best results for your smile.

You ??ll generally go back to the orthodontist for at least a few follow-up visits after de-bonding and retainer insertion, generally twice a year for 1-2 years.  If you lose or break your retainer, you ??ll need to go back to replace it, but as long as you continue to wear your retainer and take good care of your teeth, you may never need to go back to the orthodontist!

When you ??re considering braces, the initial consultation with your orthodontist is crucial. It ??s the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you might have about your treatment plan, their diagnosis, and the services they offer. You might want to ask about Questions for orthodontist consultation, or how to start treatment.

Remember, this initial consultation might be free of charge and doesn ??t require any commitment. This means you can visit several orthodontists to compare prices and treatment options. You might want to ask about the use of stainless steel in braces, or how braces can correct upper teeth alignment. If thumb sucking has affected your teeth alignment, this is also a good time to discuss it.

By asking these questions, you can ensure you ??re making an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment.

Questions to ask your doctor at your consultation:

• How long will my treatment take?
• Do you have examples of similar patient treatments you can show me?
• What is your experience treating my specific kind of condition?
• What is the cost of the various treatments you offer?
• Does your office accept insurance?
• Does your office offer monthly payment plans, and is there an interest fee?
• Are you offering any savings or promotions on certain treatments?
• Are you licensed in this state to provide orthodontic services?
• How long have you been practicing orthodontics?
• Where did you train for your orthodontic license?
• Are you practicing out of a freestanding orthodontic facility or a general dental office?
• Are you always available in case of emergency?
• What is your Invisalign experience and rank?
• Are all your assistants state certified?
• Are you using Invisalign aligners or other types of aligners?